Newcastle were relegated for the second time in eight years this term despite a late resurgence under Rafael Benitez which saw them put together a six-match unbeaten run to end the campaign.

Even throughout their poor season, the Magpies were far more impressive at home in front of their own vociferous fans than they were on the road - they won 28 of their 37 points on Tyneside including seven of their nine league wins, and they lost just five times in their 19 fixtures at St. James' Park.

Dyer revealed to the Chronicle that he spoke to new Manchester United manager Mourinho during the charity SoccerAid game last weekend, and says the Portuguese boss told him he was glad to see the back of the Magpies ahead of his return to football.

Dyer said: "I’ve just been at SoccerAid and Mourinho says that he is glad Newcastle are down because he’s never won against them yet.

"When I was there, he said to me about Newcastle: ‘The support whenever they play my teams, they’re so behind their team and the fans are unbelievable and it makes it so difficult for away teams.’ It seemed like he was happy he wouldn’t have to worry about going to St James’ Park next year!

"When Mourinho’s saying he’s glad you’re down because he worries about visiting St James’ Park, then that tells you all you need to know about how amazing it is to play for Newcastle when things are going well. When everyone’s on side and on board, there’s no place like it to play."

Newcastle has certainly always been an intimidating place to travel to for opposing teams, no matter the state of the Magpies' season, and it is understandable that Mourinho is happy to be able to avoid that challenge next term.

The Magpies came within minutes of beating Mourinho's Chelsea at home in September, being pegged back from 2-0 up to 2-2 as the Blues scored twice in the final 11 minutes to earn a draw.

Tom Nightingale

After starting to write about football due to lack of any great ability on the pitch, Tom is an NCTJ-qualified sports reporter who has written for Swansea City, the Birmingham Mail, and numerous other publications. An avid Aston Villa fan, he still hasn't got over them not turning up in the 2015 FA Cup final.